Saimone Taumoepeau

Rugger
name = Saimone Taumoepeau


caption =
birthname =
nickname =
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1979|12|21
placeofbirth = Ha'apai, Tonga
dateofdeath =
placeofdeath =
height = height|m=1.86
weight = convert|111|kg|stlb|abbr=on
ru_position = Prop Hooker|capital=yes
ru_amateuryears =
ru_amateurclubs = Auckland Marist
ru_amclubcaps =
ru_amclubpoints =
ru_amupdate = 1 Sept 2006
ru_nationalteam = flagicon|New Zealand All Blacks
ru_nationalyears = 2004-2005
ru_nationalcaps = 3
ru_nationalpoints = (5)
ru_ntupdate = 1 Sept 2006
ru_clubyears = 2007-present
ru_proclubs = Toulon
ru_clubcaps =
ru_clubpoints =
ru_clubupdate = 12 July 2008
ru_currentclub =
super14 = flagicon|New Zealand Blues
super14years = 2005-2007
super14caps =23
super14points = (5)
super14currentclub =
super14update = 9 September 2006
ru_province = Auckland
ru_provinceyears = 2004-2007
ru_provincecaps = 32
ru_provincepoints = (20)
ru_provinceupdate = 9 September 2006
ru_sevensnationalyears =
ru_sevensnationalteam =
ru_sevensnationalcaps(points) =
ru_sevensupdate =
ru_coachclubs =
ru_coachyears =
ru_coachupdate =
other = yes
occupation =
family =
spouse =
children =
relatives =
school = Tupou College Tonga
university =

Saimone Taumoepeau is a professional rugby union player in France. Born in Tonga, Taumoepeau emigrated to New Zealand at the age of 20. He first made his name as a loosehead prop and but also debut as a hooker for the Junior All Blacks. He plays his rugby for Auckland at provincial level and the Blues at Super 14 level. Taumoepeau was a shock selection in the 2004 end-of-year All Blacks squad after having only debut that season in provincial rugby Air New Zealand Cup and having yet to play Super Rugby.

While considered to be on the smaller side of the scale compared to most international props in terms of physical size, Taumoepeau has made a reputation for being a devastating scrummager via technique and brute strength. He has also proven to be a reliable hooker for both Auckland, the Blues and at Junior All Blacks level.

Taumoepeau's older brother Tevita played for Bay of Plenty, North Harbour and the Blues. Tevita now plays for Worcester Warriors in the English Premiership.

Taumoepeau signed with Toulon in 2007 and joined them after that year's New Zealand season.

External links

*All Blacks|id=1050|name=Saimone Taumoepeau